Brian's Blog

A strong foundation in education relies heavily on effective communication with parents. This communication goes beyond mere formalities; it acts as a bridge connecting the classroom and the home. By fostering a collaborative partnership between educators and parents, effective communication empowers all parties to support student learning and wellbeing. This, in turn, cultivates a cohesive and supportive educational environment for all. As the area that I live in has been impacted by severe weather and my own home was affected by flooding, it is more of a personal reflection than thoroughly backed by research. Though without much work, evidence backing my perspective is likely to be found. In this blog post, I will explore the importance of effective parent communication in fostering a successful educational experience for students. When educators and parents communicate effectively, they form a collaborative partnership that benefits everyone involved, most importantly the students. ...

In our role as educators, we constantly strive to equip students with the skills they need to excel not only academically but also in all facets of life. One such crucial skill is critical thinking, which enables individuals to analyse information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. This skill is fundamental for success in today's complex and rapidly changing world (Facione, 2011). The purpose of this blog post is to demonstrate the significance of critical thinking and the transformative influence of visible thinking routines in nurturing this vital skill. The post aims to advocate for a shift in practices towards a more student-centred approach, enhancing student learning and promoting lifelong learning. This approach encourages students to become curious, reflective, and independent thinkers (Brookhart, 2017). Early in my teaching career, I was introduced to the work of Ron Ritchhart, Mark Church, and Karin Morrison (2011) through Harvard University's Project Z...

  Exploring the world of education has shown me how important working together is for success. It's like the heartbeat that keeps everything going. Imagine a story where different people with different ideas come together, making our education more interesting. Collaboration, like the blood that keeps us healthy, not only lets ideas flow but also helps us overcome challenges together. It's like building a strong and helpful group. In this blog post, I will delve into the multifaceted dimensions of collaboration in education, exploring its transformative power, benefits, strategies, and the collective responsibility it gives educators. The Transformative Power of Collaboration Working together with others is like creating a beautiful painting where everyone shares their ideas. This shared knowledge inspires new and creative ways of teaching, helping educators become better at meeting students' needs ( Wenger, 2004) . Collaboration makes educators stronger, more adaptable, an...

  Thanksgiving, while traditionally an American holiday, embodies the spirit of gratitude and appreciation, a universal language that passes borders.The traditional story often revolves around a meal shared between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, symbolising unity, and the celebration of a significant harvest. It's a time for people to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives, whether it's family, friendships, good health, or other personal achievements. Acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of others goes beyond a simple "thank you”. It shows intention in recognising the actions of the other. This means in education, we see the profound impact those around us have on shaping the next generation. It's about understanding that their work isn't merely a job but a vocation, an investment in the future. Educators, the architects of this future, dedicate themselves tirelessly, pouring their passion and expertise into shaping young minds. Their efforts ...